Escalating Crisis in South Sudan: 280,000 Displaced Amid Violence
The ongoing violence in South Sudan has led to a dire humanitarian crisis, particularly affecting children and vulnerable populations. With at least 280,000 people displaced in Jonglei State alone, the situation is becoming increasingly grave.
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- Majority of those displaced are women and children, many fleeing multiple times.
- Health services are collapsing, with critical facilities attacked and looted.
- Urgent need for humanitarian access and cessation of hostilities.
Displacement and Human Suffering
Since late December 2025, violence has escalated in northern and central South Sudan, forcing families to flee their homes. According to UNICEF, more than half of the displaced individuals are children, highlighting the severe impact on the youngest and most vulnerable.
- Many are sleeping in inadequate displacement camps with minimal services.
- Children face threats including recruitment by armed groups and gender-based violence.
- The psychological toll on these children will have long-lasting effects.
The Health Crisis
The health system in South Sudan is unraveling amid the chaos. Recent reports indicate that eleven health facilities have been attacked since the fighting intensified, and nutrition centers crucial for child survival have been forced to shut down.
- Cholera cases have surged to 479 nationwide, with 125 reported in Jonglei alone.
- Over 825,000 children are at risk of acute malnutrition in several affected states.
- A child with untreated acute malnutrition is twelve times more likely to die.
A Personal Story: The Struggles of Aheu Deng
Amidst this chaos, individual stories portray the heart-wrenching reality. In Bor Hospital, a young mother named Aheu Deng struggles to breastfeed her son, having fled her home with nothing.
- Aheu’s family used to farm and care for cattle, but all that is lost.
- Facing exhaustion and pain, Aheu highlights the critical condition of many displaced families.
- She is one of the fortunate few to reach a hospital; many remain without access to care.
Challenges to Humanitarian Aid
Even as needs escalate, humanitarian efforts are under severe threat. On February 3, an MSF-supported hospital in Lankien was bombed, devastating vital medical infrastructure.
- Humanitarian assets, including supplies and vehicles, are being looted across conflict zones.
- Access is critically constrained, particularly in areas not controlled by the government.
- UNICEF and partner organizations are struggling to provide adequate care in the face of these challenges.
Response and Urgent Needs
Despite the overwhelming challenges, UNICEF is taking action. They were the first UN agency to deliver supplies post-escalation of violence and have reached Akobo with emergency health and nutrition supplies.
- Nutrition centers in Bor are critical for treating malnourished children.
- Primary healthcare and sanitation programs are being implemented in affected areas.
- However, these efforts are isolated and cannot meet the enormous growing needs.
Call for Action
In light of this escalating humanitarian crisis, there is an urgent need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the establishment of rapid, unhindered humanitarian access across all affected regions.
- Hundreds of thousands of children depend on timely humanitarian assistance.
- Raising awareness and mobilizing support for these families is crucial.
- Authorities must prioritize the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations.
The message is clear: action is needed now to prevent further suffering in South Sudan.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
